It hurts me to say this, but the Republicans have largely screwed the pooch. While I have no doubt it has been better for gun owners than if Kerry had been elected, the Repubs have run the government just like they have fought this war- with an eye on the polls, as opposed to the objective. Iraq should have been a punitive expedition, and nothing else. Flatten whatever and whoever needs flattened, and leave a note for the survivors saying "Y'all want might want to go about this a little differently, this time... we'll do it right next time" and then get the heck out.
The results would have been about the same. The warlords will still fight until a pack leader is selected, and then we'll still have to deal with them according to their actions. The only difference is that fewer fine young Americans would have died in the process.
Of course 'punitive missions' are un-PC in this enlightened age.
I find myself in an uncomfortable position. I will no longer support the Republicans, at least until they start acting like conservatives again. I cannot stomach the social and legislative platform of the Democrats. I will not support the Libertarians 'legalize drugs' insanity, nor will I waste a vote on a platform that has no hope of winning.
Maybe I'll just stay home and have a beer this year... and the next, and the next, etc. I probably haven't had one in five years; but 'elections' just might be the proper occasion.
